Cowboys Football To Play Under The Lights

Will battle Mount Union this Saturday at MHS

By Chanin Rotz-Mountz

NEWS EDITOR

With high hopes of topping last year’s attendance and community support, the Fulton County Cowboys football team will be playing under the lights this weekend in their only home game of the fall season.

Taking the field at Mc- Connellsburg High School Saturday, October 6, the junior varsity football squad headed by coaches Josh Lowery, Jason Shippy, Jamie Hoffman and Jamie Sipes is slated to play at 5:30 p.m. against Mount Union. In a follow-up match, the varsity team action will begin at 7 p.m. Cowboy varsity coaches include John Heuston, Dane Pollock, Damon Schoen and Craig Harman.

According to Hollie Garlock, one of the event’s organizers, attendance at the last home game nearly two years ago totalled around 450. Their goal this year is to top 500, Garlock said.

As part of this event, organizers, coaches and players are also promoting a worthy cause – cancer awareness. Using the motto, “Supporting the fighters, admiring the survivors, honoring the taken and never, ever giving up hope,” the Cowboys will be giving donations and proceeds from 50/50s to McConnellsburg High School junior Cody Trail. Trail was recently diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and is currently undergoing treatment.

“We encourage the entire county to attend. We will take a moment prior to the varsity game, to support the fighters, admire the survivors and honor the taken. This night will also be to honor our troops, so please show your support and attend this wonderful event,” said event organizers, who added that cancer survivors will be asked onto the field before the varsity match. At that special moment, camouflage balloons will be released in the air. The balloons will be available for purchase by donation only, with proceeds again benefitting the Trail family.

In addition to the Cowboys rallying in support of cancer awareness, Trail’s classmates at McConnellsburg High School have also come forward to raise money for Trail and his family. With much help from district secretary Kim Richards, the class is selling camouflage bracelets imprinted with the phrase, “Follow The Trail.”

“It is a reminder to him every day that he has the complete support of our entire community to help him win this fight,” they said.

The bracelets are $ 2 each, and there are tentative plans to have bracelets available at the game for purchase. Almost 600 have been sold to date, and Richards is anxiously awaiting a second shipment of 500 additional bracelets.

Additional camo bracelets ordered by the Cowboys will be sold on site for $2, Garlock stated.

Admission for the evening’s activities is $2 for adults and $1 for students and senior citizens.

Furthermore, concessions will be available throughout the evening ranging from homemade soup and meats to baked goods. “Change For Cody” boxes will be placed at the food stand for individuals interested in making an additional donation.

Garlock noted the Cowboys are hopeful their efforts will raise a minimum of $500 for the Trail to family to aid in their medical expenses and travel.